Veterinary Assistant

South Florida Wildlife Center • Full-time • Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States • USD $16 / hour • 1w ago

The Veterinary Assistant will report to the Clinic Supervisor.

Job Overview

The Veterinary Assistant will work in the hospital with sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife. Supporting the Clinic Supervisor, the position will provide emergency response support, manage distribution of medical care and treatment, and provide technical support during veterinary procedures.

Energetic professional who does not mind wearing multiple hats. Experienced in handling a wide range of responsibilities. Well organized, flexible and enjoys the challenges of supporting a wildlife center comprised of diverse people.

Responsibilities and Duties

Veterinary technical support

Work with the triage team to admit and care for sick and injured animals, including euthanasia; under the supervision of veterinarian, dispense and apply treatments and medications as indicated
Perform laboratory and other diagnostic tests, inclusive of equipment maintenance
Keep medical records appropriately including logs for surgery, medical notes, case dispositions, euthanasia, controlled substances, and other logs pertaining to veterinary or general care of animal patients, consistent with SFWC’s policies and all State and Federal regulations. Update treatment sheet.

Animal care, husbandry, and rehabilitation

Ensure the performance of safe/humane handling of animals during treatments and other standard practices, including instructing volunteers, interns, and externs.
Support the rehabilitation process inclusive of cleaning, feeding, treatments, and daily husbandry as needed.

Lead and train volunteers as well as student externs and interns

Assist with development of training materials as relates to center medical operations, veterinary technical practices, and the volunteer program
Help train, coach, motivate, and support other Center staff, volunteers, interns, and externs in medical techniques used in the delivery of prescribed medication.

Administration

Coordinate with Clinic Supervisor in managing inventories and purchasing veterinary supplies, medical diets, foods, and formulas.
Assist with equipment upkeep and maintenance records; update medical and rehabilitation SOPs

Cleaning and organization

Ensure maintenance of cleanliness and orderliness of all medical areas
Ensure veterinary supplies and equipment are kept in repaired, functional, organized, and orderly manner and easy to find, access and use.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field
Veterinary experience highly desired
Experienced in humane animal restraint and capture
Experience with animal care and husbandry
Knowledge of anesthesia and radiology
Knowledge of species indigenous to South Florida area highly desired.
Must be comfortable performing euthanasia
Ability to move/lift 50lbs, bend frequently, and stand throughout workday
Ability to follow written directions and record observations
Reliable attendance is essential to providing optimum animal care
Keenly observant - ability to identify changes in animal behavior or medical status
Excellent verbal and written communications, detailed recordkeeping
Well organized and detail oriented
Effectiveness in teaching and coaching required
Must have or obtain and maintain an up-to-date rabies prophylaxis and titer.
Must be able to work outdoors in variable and sometimes extreme weather conditions.

Please submit cover letter, resume for interest in this position to:

csegarra@southfloridawildlifecenter.org

Work Hours

The Center operates 365 days per year, as such staff can be scheduled to work weekends on a regular or recurring basis. Scheduled hours are typically 7:30 to 6:30, with one-hour non-paid lunch, overtime pre-approved, as necessary. Since all staff are considered ambassadors of the Center, there may be requirements to participate in direct customer interactions, after hours functions, or offsite activities and events.

Benefits: The South Florida Wildlife Center offers an exciting, stable career with great employee benefits such as annual paid holidays, 3 weeks of accrued annual/vacation, health, dental and vision insurance.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $16.00 per hour

Benefits: